This weekend I was out in North Cornwall observing Remembrance Day. 

It is important to come together as one nation to remember those who have sacrificed everything in service of King and country, to protect democratic freedoms. 

Remembrance services must always go ahead without the threat of desecration or disruption of memorials; poppy sellers and services must be fully protected. Anything short of this would be morally indefensible. 

The freedom to protest is a long-held right of UK citizens, however, there is a time and place for it and Remembrance Day isn’t one of them. We must never forget that Remembrance is solely about commemorating those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in defence of our nation, honouring our veterans for their heroic service and thanking the brave men and women serving in our armed forces.

I welcomed the Government’s decision in the King’s Speech 2023 to ban live animal exports, building on the UK’s world-leading animal welfare standards, backing British farmers in North Cornwall and growing the economy. For too long governments of all colours have taken short-term decisions, instead of focusing on the right long-term decisions that will safeguard the future prosperity of our country. Many constituents have written to me in the past confirming that they want to ban the live export of animals for slaughter or fattening. I am in full agreement with them, and I will look forward to voting in favour of this legislation when it comes to the House of Commons. Since we left the European Union, there have been no live animal exports – but now this Bill will ensure that position becomes permanent, enshrining the ban in law and protecting livestock from excessively long journeys for slaughter and fattening. The Government’s ban will also build on the UK’s reputation for world-leading animal welfare standards, securing the premium our meat exports carry internationally, backing British farmers and boosting exports as we grow the economy. This move will deliver a manifesto commitment and build on our measures to boost animal welfare, including tougher sentences for animal cruelty, legislation recognising animal sentience, delivering one of the toughest bans on ivory in the world and introducing mandatory cat microchipping. All these have been delivered under the Conservatives since 2019. 

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